What is liposuction?

Liposuction is performed by a plastic surgeon and is used to remove pockets of fatty tissue from the body using a vacuum device and a small tube known as a cannula. The cannula is inserted into small incisions placed on the body and essentially sucks out the unwanted fat.

Who is a good candidate for the procedure?

The best candidates for lipoplasty are people who are at or near their ideal weight and have elastic skin. The procedure is used to remove fat simply to sculpt the body, not as a means of weight loss. As the body ages it begins to loose the elastic properties of the skin which makes older people less of a good candidate for liposuction than younger ones because the results will not look as good.

Is liposuction safe?

The procedure is relatively safe as long as it is performed by a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, and you take the care to follow your physician's before and after surgery care instructions.

What should I do to prepare for liposuction surgery?

Your plastic surgeon will provide you with materials and instructions on exactly what you should do to prepare for your liposuction surgery. One of the first things you should do is to stop smoking at least a month prior to your surgery date. This will help your body to heal much more quickly and will lessen the possibility of complications.

What will I need to do after my surgery?

If you are having lipoplasty, you should make arrangements for someone to help take care of you, your children, and your home in the week following your procedure. You will be sore and need assistance in caring for things to keep from injuring yourself and to allow your body to heal well.

You may be placed in compression garments after your surgery and you will need to follow your plastic surgeon's instructions as to when they can be safely removed. Additionally, if you exercise regularly you will need to wait to resume exercise until your plastic surgeon lets you know that it is safe for you to do so.

How long do I need to continue to see my plastic surgeon after surgery?

Once you have healed from your surgery, you will need to see your plastic surgeon once to check for proper healing. You may also need to see your surgeon again just to make sure that you're healing well and getting the most from your liposuction surgery. It is very important that you keep all of your appointments and allow your plastic surgeon to evaluate your healing for any problems which may occur. By staying on top of your care you can ensure the best outcome possible.